CHOOSING KINDNESS

 By Elayne Savage, PhD

Pixabay/John Hind

 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  - Maya Angelou

 

I knew I wanted to write about kindness this month –– as a way of finding some balance for myself in a chaotic and disturbing world. Seems there has been so much unkindness, and even mean-spiritedness and even hostility and even retaliation out there. I was giving lots of thought to what I wanted to say about kindness as this Ne there has been so much unkindness, and even mean-spiritedness and even hostility and retaliation in the world.

 

And then, I just happened to receive an email the other day saying what i wanted to say, only better. 

 

Oak Notes from the SF Bay area Red Oak Reality published this piece in their December newsletter and I’m so glad to be sharing much of it with you.

 

There is no author credited in this Red Oak piece. If I can find out from Red Oak, I’ll for sure add it to my blog post on TipsfromtheQueenofRejection.com

 

Here we go . . .

 

. . . so often we're rushing, handling the year-end demands on top of our day-to-day. Sometimes it feels we've become so focused on efficiency that kindness can be left out of the equation. 

 

At a time when the world feels a bit unruly and unmanageable, maybe we should look outward and ask ourselves how we can make a difference and be kind to others. Because while it may not feel like it at times, we all have the ability to make an impact.

 

Kindness is holding the door open for a stranger, or acknowledging someone's birthday. 

 

Kindness can be as simple as a compliment or a thank you or a smile. It's expressing concern for the well-being of others or a selfless act. 

 

Kindness is checking on your elderly neighbors, giving flowers just because. It's recognizing when someone needs acknowledgment or maybe a hug.

 

In the face of current events, kindness is so important in maintaining a healthy society. It is the cornerstone of compassion and fosters a sense of community. 

 

By cultivating a culture of kindness, we can all contribute to a more compassionate world.

 

So the next time someone steals that parking spot or cuts in line, take a deep breath and choose empathy over anger.

 

Kindness is always an option.  

 

At a time when so many are feeling their impact is mute, choose to make the difference. They will remember how you made them feel. And you may be surprised at how much better you feel, too.

 

I was needing balance and was especially wanting to tone down my recent spate of impatience.

 

I was wanting to send a little self-kindness my own way too. Guess we all can use a little balance here. And maybe some hugs!

 

Thanks again to Red Oak and Oak Notes for the inspiration!

 

Wishing you a Happy and Fulfilling and Peaceful and Connected New Year!  

 

Pixabay/SpiderM

 

© Elayne Savage, PhD

 

Until next month,

Elayne

 

Elayne Savage is the author of ground-breaking relationship books published in 9 languages. Both books are now available on Kindle! To order DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! THE ART OF DEALING WITH REJECTION from Amazon: amzn.to/2bEGDqu   To order BREATHING ROOM – CREATING SPACE TO BE A COUPLE from Amazon: amzn.to/2bAHmIL REPRINTING THESE BLOGS: You can reprint any blog from 'Tips from The Queen of Rejection'® as long as you include an attribution and, whenever possible, a live link to my website. And I'd really appreciate if you'd notify me where and when the material will appear. The attribution should include this information: Elayne Savage, PhD is a communication coach, keynote speaker, and trainer, practicing psychotherapist and author of Don't Take It Personally! The Art of Dealing with Rejection and Breathing Room - Creating Space to Be a Couple. To find out more about my speaking programs, coaching and consultation services visit: //www.QueenofRejection.com or call 510-540-6230 if you or your group can benefit. Contacting Elayne I welcome your feedback as well as suggestions for topics you'd like to see addressed in this e-letter. Here's how you can reach me: 510-540-6230 www.QueenofRejection.com [email protected] For more communication and rejection tips, you can follow me: Twitter@ElayneSavage LinkedIn.com/in/elaynesavage Facebook.com/elayne.savage